It'll be interesting to see how Abe is used this season. He is almost certainly our best (possibly only) commercial asset at the club and the Japanese seem to love him, which will inevitably help us and King Power in terms of advertising in other parts of Asia. Indeed I seem to recall Stringer saying that he had an army of about a dozen Japanese journalists who went to every home game just to report on how he was doing.
However, the midfield is probably our strongest area, with Danns, Wellens, King and Oakley providing stiff competition. How will Top and Vichai react if their prize asset isn't playing? Will Sven come under pressure to include him? I always believe that players should be picked on their form, not anything else. But if it was a choice between a slightly better Wellens and a commercia asset Abe, who would be chosen?
I also note that Abe can play at right back. Is this another option?